LGBTQ

Black and Pink is an Omaha nonprofit supporting incarcerated members of the LBGTQ community and those living with HIV/AIDS, groups that can be especially vulnerable behind bars. With its yearly holiday cards campaign, the organization encourages those on the outside to remind folks in prison that they are not alone. Courtney Bierman spoke to Black and Pink members support coordinator Andrea Kszystyniak for more.

Trans Stitchin’ is a new, free community closet created to providing Omaha’s transgender community with an essential service: gender-affirming clothing. Patrons can either come during normal business hours or schedule an appointment to browse a closet bursting at the seams with donated items. It’s the passion project of friends Grady Schmitt and Maddelyn Bal. The founders joined Omaha Public Radio’s Courtney Bierman to talk about Trans Stitchin’s origins and mission.

Trans Stitchin’ is a new, free community closet created to provide Omaha’s transgender community with an essential service: gender-affirming clothing. Patrons can either come during normal business hours or schedule an appointment to browse a closet bursting at the seams with donated items. It’s the passion project of friends Grady Schmitt and Maddelyn Bal. The founders joined Omaha Public Radio’s Courtney Bierman to talk about Trans Stitchin’s origins and mission.

Last week The Evangelical Covenant Church held its’ annual meeting in Omaha, wherein a 77% majority voted to expel an entire congregation in Minnesota and defrock their pastor because of their stance on same gender marriage. The very next day, despite the roaring Nebraska heat, Omaha's downtown streets were filled with LGBTQIA allies for The Heartland Pride Parade. 

As part of Omaha Public Radio’s continued coverage on the marriage equality movement in the Midwest, KIOS's Emily Chen-Newton spoke with the Omaha church groups who showed up in droves for Heartland Pride.

In February of this year, The Global United Methodist Church strengthened their ban on same-gender marriage and LGBTQIA clergy. This stance is reflected in the Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline and was affirmed by the highest court of The Church in April.